On Sunday, 15th December, Bishop Paul Colton (Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross) joined with Bishop John Buckley (Bishop of Cork and Ross) in the blessing of the SHARE Crib at Daunt Square, Cork. The SHARE collection continues on the streets of Cork until Christmas Eve.

SHARE (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly) – a student initiative – has been working in Cork for the last 44 years and now involves 1800 students from more than 20 of the city’s schools. More than 200 secure housing units have been built for the elderly of Cork.

Bishop Paul Colton chats with members of the SHARE Executive, including the chairperson and deputy co-chairpersons, prior to the blessing of the SHARE Crib and annual launch of the SHARE collection. (Photo: Ger McCarthy)

Speaking afterwards to 96FM, Bishop Colton said:

Every year the SHARE collection puts the Christmas message, through the crib, at the heart of the city of Cork. It is there for everyone to see. More than that, the selfless example of fasting, serving, and caring by the young people is an annual example to us all of the nature of Christian love.

The SHARE Students are joined by the Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Catherine Clancy (centre), Bishop Buckley and Bishop Colton. (Photo: Ger McCarthy)

Bishop Buckley (left) and Bishop Colton (right) catch up on the news before the blessing of the SHARE Crib. (Photo: Ger McCarthy)